I think that is not true. I've asked CSD and they say you can buy your laptop outside. For the 2013 scholars, you can actually buy your laptop now, you just need to keep the receipt and claim it from CSD. This is from what I have heard from two separate occasions from the CSD people.

It is recommended that you buy from school notebook vendors though, because they give discounts. If you are looking for very popular notebooks such as the Macbook, you will be better off getting it from school notebook vendors.

I am unsure what the notebook grant covers, but it should cover your notebook (including upgrades to the storage/ram), but not external accessories (carrying case, mouse, etc). It will be best if you give CSD a call and ask .

I'm in the same boat as you, waiting for IT Fair, more haswell-powered laptops will be available then and it will push down the prices of older generation laptops as well.

Ah my bad. For IS students it is recommended to buy from the school since you will require a different specification for your laptop as compared to other schools. The grant does cover external accessories if they are an addon option for your laptop unless they change the rule this year.

If I'm supposed to start schooling in 2015 (nsf), am I supposed to matriculate in October 2014 to be eligible for any early scholarship interviews in 2015 (it was mentioned earlier on in the thread that there is an interview in February for nsmen)?

any nsmen matriculating in 2015 but is still awaiting a scholarship interview/ offer?

Hi! I have received the smu scholar's programme offer for SIS but i might not accept as i heard SMU is really competitive and I really want NUS instead

That is really weird to hear... we effectively have no bell curve due to the nature of our IS modules and how the students generally perform. If you had spoken to any seniors who have went through the program... they will probably tell you otherwise. There will be a small handful at the top of the grade spectrum having gpa near or above 4 but not enough to prevent others from getting the As or summa cum laude they deserve if that is the competition you are refering to. I can't say the same for other schools in SMU though. Still, all the best at NUS.